My Contracted Husband, The Heartless CEO has Amnesia?

Chapter 1: The Contract

The rain was falling heavily as I stood outside the orphanage, two garbage bags containing everything I owned at my feet.

Sister Margaret's face was cruel as she handed me my final check, a mere $200 that wouldn't last a week.

"Eighteen means you're an adult now, Celeste. The state no longer pays for your care," she said coldly shaking her head.

"We need the bed for the younger children."

I nodded my head already numb to it all.

Eighteen years in this place have taught me one thing: and that was to never expect compassion from anyone.

The orphanage door closed and there was a click, and just like that, I was left alone in this world.

My job working as a waitress at Riley's Diner was all I had left. The pay was small and terrible, but it would keep me from sleeping on park benches for a while at least until I could figure something out.

Three hours later, I was unemployed.

"You can't just assault customers!" Mr. Riley shouted, his face filled with rage as he yelled at me.

"I don't care what he did!"

"He grabbed my ass!" I fired back at him, my body shaking with anger as I stood my ground. "And then tried to pull me onto his lap!"

"He's a paying customer!"

"He's a pig!" The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

"And if you think I should just smile and take it, you're no better!"

Riley's face darkened with fury as he pointed at the exit door. "Get out. Now."

And that was it. There were no last payment checks, no apologies. Just booted me out into a rainy street.

I made my way aimlessly downtown, soaked to the bone, my garbage bags growing heavier with each step.

The universe seemed to be having a good laugh at my expense today.

Eighteen years, waiting for the chance to be finally free, only to discover that freedom meant having absolutely nothing and nobody.

The crosswalk light turned green and I stepped into the street, too lost in my own head to see the approaching black car that was heading towards me until the horn was loud enough to startle me as I scrambled back, barely avoiding the collision but not able to miss the dirty water the car splashed on me.

And just like that, something inside me snapped.

"You son of a bitch!" I screamed, dropping my bags and running after the car as it stopped at the next light. I didn't think about what I was doing next and just acted. My fist made contact with the tinted passenger window with a surprising crack. I hadn't expected to actually damage it.

The window lowered slowly showing a face that I'd seen only in newspapers and on TV.

Xenois Kingston. The billionaire. The rumored Mafia Don. The most dangerous man in the city.

I was dead.

His dark eyes seemed to scan me with a chill as I shuddered taking a step back wondering if I was going to be able to outrun him if it came down to it.

"You broke my window."

"You tried to run me over," I retorted, adrenaline taking control instead of my survival instinct..

He chuckled as he beckoned with a nod of his head.. "Get in."

"What?"

"Get in the car, or I'll have my driver put you in the trunk." He said it so casually, like he was offering someone a piece of chewing gum.

I looked around. We were on a busy street, but I knew no one would help me at all. They all seemed to be minding their own business but then again no one ever had. Still, getting into a car with Xenois Kingston seemed like suicide.

"My...my things," I stammered.

He nodded to his driver, who silently collected my garbage bags and placed them in the trunk. I slid into the backseat, trying to look like I wasn't afraid despite the fear that was settling in my guts like a familiar visitor.

Instead of taking me to some abandoned warehouse to hide my body after killing me, Kingston directed his driver to Café Élysée, the most expensive restaurant in the city.

People were watching with surprise and curiosity as he escorted me-a dirty wet penniless beggar in her waitress uniform-to a private booth in the back.

"Coffee," he told the waiter, who practically bowed his head in greetings before hurrying away.

Kingston watched me for a while without saying anything.

He was older than me-late twenties, I guessed-and he looked very handsome in a dangerous way.

He had fine features that made people drawn to his face like a moth to light and I was one of them.

"You're not begging for your life," he finally said.

I shrugged my shoulders looking around the place. "Would it help?"

. "No."

The coffee arrived and to my surprise, I was offered one. I wrapped my cold hands around the cup, grateful that I had something to warm my hands with.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Celeste Parker."

"You're homeless."

"As of three hours ago."

"And unemployed," he added, eyeing my uniform.

"How did you-"

"The bruise on your knuckles is from punching someone. Your uniform is a bit rumpled but dry under your coat, suggesting you worked earlier today. And given your current situation, I'm guessing whatever happened cost you your job."

I stared at him, shocked and confused about how accurate he was.

"Are you some kind of psychic?"

"I'm observant," he replied. "And I recognize desperate people when I see them."

I slowly sipped my coffee as a reason to avoid his eyes. "Are you going to kill me for denting your car?"

"I'm going to offer you a deal."

My teeth clenched as I gritted them in anger. "I'm not a prostitute."

Kingston actually laughed. It was short but genuine which surprised me. I didn't even think the cruel heartless CEO knew how to smile.

"I'm not looking for a whore, Ms. Parker. I'm looking for a wife."

I nearly choked on my coffee as I covered my mouth coughing, my eyes widening as I realized he was being serious with this. "Excuse me?"

"A contract marriage," he clarified. "Six years, not a day more. During that time, you will live in my home and bear my children."

My mind seemed to be racing as I tried to process what he was saying. It seemed like I was being taken for a spin and I wasn't able to find the ground.. "Children? Plural?"

"At least two, preferably more. I need heirs."

"And what do I get out of this deal?" I asked, although a part of me couldn't believe that I was actually listening to him instead of walking away.

"One hundred billion dollars on the last day of the contract," he said, as casually as if discussing the weather.

"Plus you get to have comfortable living arrangements, clothing, education if you desire it, and anything else you might need during our marriage."

The number was so much that I couldn't even believe it.

"That's...that's ridiculous."

"I assure you, I can afford it."

"Why me? Why not find some rich and elite socialite who'd jump at the chance?"

He frowned briefly as he replied.

"Because you have nothing and no one. No family to complicate matters. No connections to exploit to your advantage. . And you've demonstrated that you're both stubborn and resilient no matter what bullshit comes your way. Those are qualities I would like my children to inherit."

My hands shook a bit as I thought about this. "And after six years?"

"We divorce. I keep the children. You take your money and disappear."

"You want me to abandon my own children?"

"They will not lack anything," he said firmly. "They will be raised as Kingstons, sole heir to my wealth and legacy."

"And I'm not supposed to care about them. You think children should be made for a reason."

"Yes." He was blunt and brutal but at least he was honest. "I need heirs, not a love story.

I looked down at my coffee cup, that was now empty as I mulled over his words. What choice did I really have?

But children...my own flesh and blood.. giving them up was unbearable to think.

"They would be safe?" I asked quietly. "Happy?"

"I protect what's mine," he answered. "Always."

"I accept," I said, the words falling from my lips before I could reconsider it. It was six years of my life that I could give him. And that was what I needed. By then I would be independent and standing on my own two feet. It was better than saying no and dying on the streets. This was my opportunity..

Xenois Kingston brought out his hand for a handshake.

"Then we have a deal, Ms. Parker."

As I shook his hand, I couldn't help but feel I'd just made a deal with the devil himself.

Chapter 2: Two Days Left

SIX YEARS LATER

"Mom! Troy took my robot again!" Lake's voice was loud enough as it echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of little feet.

I sighed, gently dropping the laundry basket. Six years in this mansion, and I still hadn't gotten used to the chaos that came with raising triplets.

"Troy Kingston," I called out, sounding a bit stern so that he could see that I was being serious.

"What have we said about taking things without asking?"

My middle son showed up in the door way his , blonde curls scattered wildly but managing to frame his face in a beautiful way with the stolen robot held to his chest.

At five years old, Troy was already showing signs of his father's stubbornness.

"I was just borrowing it," he protested, his green eyes wide with fake innocence as he continued speaking

"Lake wasn't using it right."

Lake ran into the room, his face red with anger. into view, . Of my three boys, Lake was the most sensitive, and the self proclaimed peacemaker-until pushed too far.

"I was building a solar system model!" Lake insisted as he turned to tell at Troy. "You can't just take Jupiter!"

"Boys," I said as I knelt down so that I could talk to them at eye level, "what's our rule about respecting each other's projects?"

They exchanged guilty glances before reciting together: "We ask first and help each other instead of taking over."

"Right," I nodded, hiding my smile.

"Troy, please return Jupiter to Lake's solar system. Lake, maybe you can show Troy how you're building it? He might have some good ideas."

But before any of them could reply, there was another loud crash that sounded like it came down from across the hall. It was followed by an ominous silence.

"Soren," all three of us said at the same time.

Soren, my eldest son by seven minutes, was the risk-taker.

He was the one who climbed bookshelves without permission and jumped from furniture, and tested every physical law of gravity he could find.

He'd broken his arm twice already, and it was a miracle that Soren wasn't living in the hospital daily at this point.

I found him standing in the midst of broken wooden shelves and shattered books, looking both proud and sheepish.

"I wanted the astronomy encyclopedia," he explained, pointing to the top shelf. "I almost reached it."

"And destroyed half the library in the process," I said, looking around, as I took in the damage.

"What would Professor Hughes say if she saw this?"

Soren winced as he felt bad. Their professor had high hopes for all of them after all.

"That I should have used the step ladder?" he offered a suggestion as I could see the grin that was beginning to show on his lips..

"Precisely." I ruffled his dark hair-so soft to touch.

"Now, all of you help clean this up before dinner. Dad will be home soon."

They nodded their head eagerly as they rushed to do like I told them. Watching with a quiet pride, I looked happy until I remembered that there were barely days left to my.....

I shook my head as I took a deep breath. Two more days, and everything would change.

The alarm on my phone buzzed at 6pm and I heard the front door opening right on time. My husband was nothing but punctual after all.

"Daddy's home!" Troy shouted, and all three boys abandoned their clean up to race downstairs.

I followed behind taking a minute to compose myself. Six years of practice had made me the professional expert at hiding my true feelings from Xenois Kingston.

He stood in the foyer, well dressed in a charcoal suit, his presence seemed to be commanding as always. At twenty six he was even more handsome than the day he'd picked me up off that rainy street.

Each of my boys were holding onto a different part of him: Soren attempting to climb his leg, Troy hugging his waist, Lake raising his hands up to be lifted.

"Gentlemen," he greeted them with the half-smile that appeared whenever he saw his heirs.

"Have you been looking after your mother today?"

"Yes!" they chorused, although the evidence of the disaster in the library and literally everywhere clearly suggested otherwise.

He looked at me over their heads his eyes searching for something.

"Celeste."

"Xenois," I replied softly with a small nod of my head. "Welcome home."

Six years, and I still felt my heart beat faster when he looked at me. Six years of sharing a home with him but living separate lives.

Six years of raising his children, standing beside him at events, and showing the public the perfect illusion of a happy marriage.

---

Dinner was how normal like it always was. All those years and Xenois never missed a dinner. He always came home and egenaged in conversation with me and the kids. It was indeed my favorite time of the day.

"How was your prototype demonstration today?" I asked, passing the salad bowl to him.

"Successful," he replied, helping Soren cut his chicken.

"The Defense Department was impressed. The contract should be ready by next week."

"Will it go boom?" Troy asked eagerly, cutting the conversation as usual and gaining all attention on him.

"No exploding talks at the dinner table, remember?" I reminded him gently.

Xenois's lips moved a bit as if he was trying to suppress a smile at his words.

"This particular project is more about protecting people than destruction, Troy. Sometimes the strongest weapons are the defensive ones."

"Like a force field?" Lake's eyes widened in surprise looking at his dad with wonder.

"Something like that."

I watched their conversation, keeping quiet, trying to memorize every detail-the way Xenois's eyes got softer with pride and happiness when he explained some things to the boys, how Soren leaned forward in concentration, Troy's never ending questions , Lake's thoughtful nods and clarification.

"Professor Hughes says we're starting quantum physics next week," Soren announced proudly.

"At five?" I raised an eyebrow at that. "I was still learning addition at your age."

"They're ready," Xenois said simply. His confidence in our kids never seemed to waver at all from the first day they showed signs of high intelligence and high IQ.

"Their aptitude tests put them at a high school level in mathematics and science."

"And they still can't remember to put their socks in the hamper," I muttered more to myself which made the boys giggle.

As Maria, our housekeeper, cleared the dishes after our meals and brought out dessert for the kids, Xenois glanced at his watch before speaking up.

"Boys," he said, "I need to speak with your mother privately for a moment. Why don't you take your ice cream to the living room? You guys can watch twenty minutes of that space documentary you have been fixated on, then bedtime."

They didn't need to be told twice. With sounds of delight and an eagerness to leave before their dad would change their mind, they carefully carried their bowls out of the dining room, arguing about which part of the cosmos they should watch tonight.

When they were gone, the silence became heavy as I clenched my fists subtly preparing myself for the news.

Xenois reached for his wine glass, keeping his expression blank as he sipped from it.

"Friday," he said finally. "Our contract ends on Friday."

Even though I'd been counting down the days, hearing those words from his mouth made my stomach twist with nausea.

"I know."

"The lawyers have prepared all the files for our divorce. Your money as promised has been transferred to the offshore accounts we made. After the divorce is done and valid, you'll have complete access."

"I understand," I managed, trying my best to keep my voice steady.

"Tomorrow night is the annual Kingston Industries gala," he continued, his tone sounding businesslike like he wasn't affected by the fact that this was ending .

"You'll need to attend the party. It's our last public appearance together before the announcement."

"What are you telling people?" I asked, curious despite the pain I was feeling right now..

"We had some differences that we couldn't reconcile and we both chose separation."

"And the boys?"

He frowned for a moment, narrowing his eyes as he spoke, "they need to be told that you needed to leave. That sometimes adults make difficult choices."

My heart broke at the clinical tone in his voice.

"They're five years old, Xenois. They won't understand why their mother suddenly abandoned them."

"We agreed to these terms," he said coldly, clenching his glass.

"The children will remain with me. That was non-negotiable."

"I know what I agreed to!" I snapped, then immediately regretted it.

I never lost my composure before him before. I took a deep breath to calm down as I spoke.

"I just... they'll be devastated."

There was something that flashed across his face. Maybe guilt. But it was gone too fast for me to know. "They will adjust. Children are resilient."

"Will you allow me to visit them?" I asked, the question I'd been afraid to voice for years.

"No." His answer was instant and final. "Clean breaks are best. No confusion, no divided loyalties."

I bit my lip until I tasted blood, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall.

"I had Maria lay out the gold gown for tomorrow," he continued, oblivious to my distress. "The car will be ready at seven."

I nodded my head slowly. Six years of playing the perfect wife had made me an excellent actress.

"Is there anything else?" I asked, rising from the table, desperate to escape before I would break down completely in front of him. I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction he needed.

I thought he was going to say something with the way he was looking at me, probably change his mind or something else.

Instead, he simply shook his head. "That will be all, Celeste. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Xenois."

Chapter 3: The Last Night

Kingston Industries' annual Innovation Showcase was unlike any other corporate event in the city.

It was part trade show, part celebration, part intimidation tactic; I learned early that it was Xenois's way of reminding competitors and allies as well of his dominance in both legitimate and illegitimate businesses.

I'd attended ten of these galas now, but this one felt a bit different. After all it was my last one as Mrs. Kingston.

"Mom, look! They have quantum computers!" Soren said as he tugged at my hand, pointing toward a display where engineers demonstrated holographic things.

I smiled, smoothing down my gold gown, the same one that Xenois had specifically selected for tonight.

"Why don't you go check it out? Stay where I can see you."

The boys ran off, happy to have gotten permission to explore. I watched them go, smiling and feeling sad at the same time.

By this time tomorrow I would never see them again.

"They're making quite an impression," Xenois said as he stood beside me, his voice low.

"The Kingston legacy secured."

I glanced at him, my breath taking away each time I saw him.

"They're excited," I said smoothly as I looked back at them asking the engineers some questions. "It's their first time here."

His hand moved to my waist, warm and possessive. I felt goosebumps on my skin as I tried to hide my blush. It was merely an act for him, for the public to see us as a happy couple.

"Victor Romano is watching," Xenois murmured, nodding toward a group of men across the room.

"He's been questioning my commitment to our alliance. We need to look united."

I leaned into him automatically, playing my part. "Is that why you're actually touching me in public?"

He smirked looking down at me as he chuckled softly. "Six years and still so direct."

"You've always said you appreciated that about me."

"Indeed." His eyes scanned me from head to toe as he nodded, a smile of approval on his lips. "You look beautiful tonight, Celeste."

The unexpected compliment made my heart flutter as I looked down, playing with my fingers. "Thank you."

We moved through the crowd together, accepting congratulations on the triplets' intelligence from colleagues, and deflecting questions about when we would be trying for baby number 4. Well technically baby number 2.

"Xenois," a hoarse voice called, and I tensed up immediately.

Victor Romano made his way towards us, followed by two men whose suit jackets barely concealed their weapons.

Unlike Xenois, who managed to make even his criminal enterprises seem normal to the public eye, Romano preferred the stereotypical mafia aesthetic-complete with gold chains and tattoos that were up to his neck.

"Victor," Xenois nodded briefly, as he said. "Enjoying the showcase?"

Romano's eyes moved to me, watching me as he said. "Mrs. Kingston. Always a pleasure."

I smiled at him, fighting the urge to step behind Xenois.

These men frightened me not because of their appearances, but because I knew exactly what they were capable of. What my husband was capable of.

"The boys have grown," Romano observed, watching the triplets as they moved from exhibit to exhibit. "Strong little soldiers."

"They take after their father," I said politely.

Romano chuckled at my words. "Let's hope they have his drive for business too."

He turned back to Xenois. "A word?"

Xenois's hand tightened briefly on my waist.

"Of course. Celeste, why don't you check on the boys?"

I nodded, understanding the dismissal. As I walked away, I felt Romano's eyes on my back.

The triplets had gathered around a robotics display, watching a mechanical arm build something.

"Mom!" Troy exclaimed as soon as he saw me as he pointed. "This robot can build anything! Can we have one?"

"I don't think that would fit in your playroom," I laughed, a little bit grateful for their distraction.

"Mrs. Kingston." A familiar voice spoke behind me.

I turned to find Dmitri, one of Xenois's most trusted men, he looked huge and had a lot of scars that gave him a black boy vibe.

If I wasn't in love with Xenois, I would have gone after him. Despite his intimidating appearance, he'd always been respectful toward me.

"Dmitri," I acknowledged, a genuine smile on my face this time.. "Enjoying the party?"

"Not my scene," he admitted, then surprised me by crouching down to the boys' level.

"Hey little bosses, you like the robots?"

The triplets immediately surrounded him, asking him a lot of questions that he answered with a lot of patience. I watched, amused, as this hardened killer explained hydraulic systems to my five-year-olds.

"They're smart," Dmitri said approvingly as he straightened up and looked at me.

"Got their father's brains."

"And his stubbornness," I added.

His face changed a bit from happiness to sympathy as he looked at me. "Changes coming, huh?"

My smile froze on my face as I narrowed my eyes at him. "Excuse me?"

"The boss doesn't tell me everything," he shrugged his shoulders, "but I hear things. Claudia's coming back tomorrow, right? After all these years."

I flinched when I heard that name Claudia Hale. That was the woman Xenois had been seeing before our arrangement.

His true love, according to rumors. The reason he'd specified a contract marriage with an expiration date.

"I wouldn't know," I lied smoothly.

Dmitri looked skeptical but didn't press the matter. Rather he nodded his head allowing it to pass.

"Well, whatever happens... you've been good for him. For what it's worth."

Before I could respond, he was called away by another associate, leaving me feeling empty.

Across the room, I saw Xenois who was in a deep conversation with Romano. Their expressions looked serious, their voices too low to be over heard. As if sensing my eyes on him, Xenois looked up, his dark eyes finding mine instantly.

Then Romano clapped him on the shoulder, saying loudly enough for nearby guests to hear: "So, Claudia returns tomorrow. Everything in place for the reunion?"

Xenois's expression didn't change, but I saw the stiffening of his shoulders.

"Everything is arranged," he confirmed, his eyes still on me.

I turned away, focusing on my sons, determined not to let him see how much those words had hurt me.